Cyclists operating in Kapata Township in Chipata district of Eastern Province yesterday took advantage of the flooded Lunkhwakhwa stream bridge to hike bicycle fares from two kwacha to three kwacha rebased.

Bicycles are the major mode of transport used by Chipata residents to go to the town Centre.

The bridge linking Kapata Township to the town Centre got flooded due to heavy rains that the area experienced yesterday morning, which left most parts of the town impassable due to poor drainage system.

The residents are now appealing to the Chipata Municipal Council to quickly work on the Lunkhwakhwa stream before lives of the people are lost.

Amos Phiri of Kapata Township told ZANIS this morning that the council should consider coming up with storm water drains as the district is surrounded with mountains.

Mr. Phiri said the authorities should stop the tendency of responding to concerns raised by the people only when disasters occur.

He said many people in the last rainy season escaped death as they attempted to cross the flooded stream, saying the situation should not be the same even for this year and the coming years.

“There is need for the council to find workable solutions to the many challenges faced in town such as solid waste management, haphazard packing of vehicles and poor drainage system among others,” he said.

And when contacted for a comment, Chipata Municipal Council Town clerk Ikan Chigangu said the stream has remained a challenge to the Council as people operating within that area dump garbage in the drainage causing it to be blocked.

Mr. Chigangu explained that people deliberately block the drainage for the purpose of collecting sand.

He said the Council was doing everything possible to ensure the stream was worked on, saying last year the council had engaged sable construction company to work on the stream and the expansion of the three kilometre kafula road.

Mr. Chigangu however called on residents in the district to remain patriotic and responsible citizens by conforming to good hygiene practices.